Some of the busiest holiday traffic of the season is expected to cause delays heading north on the Pacific Motorway at Tugun this week, including today, authorities have warned.
Monday 22, Tuesday 23 and this coming Sunday 28 December are listed as predicted peak holiday traffic times for that part and direction of the highway.
Transport for NSW says there are several ‘known pinch points’ on the Pacific Highway including Coffs Harbour, Tugun and Hexham heading north.
Further south, northbound lanes of the highway at Raleigh approaching Waterfall Way were still closed at midday after a reported crash at 7.23am.
Live Traffic NSW said diversions were in place at Ballards Rd and Giinagay Way.
Bushfire and double demerits alerts
The department has issued advice to drivers heading off over the Christmas-New Year period to plan their journey, with high traffic volumes and delays expected as thousands of motorists hit the road for celebrations and holidays.
Transport for NSW Executive Director Rob Austin has urged motorists to be patient, with heavy traffic and delays expected on key roads.
The busiest days for holiday traffic are expected around Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and 1 and 2 January.
Drivers are also asked to check conditions before travel, with authorities reporting an increased risk for bushfires in the regions.
Some major regional roads projects are to shut down during the holiday break with many to still have reduced speed limits in place.
NSW Police will enforce double demerit points for speeding and motorcycle helmet, seatbelt, and mobile phone offences from Wednesday 24 December to Sunday 4 January.
Mass holiday exodus expected from Sydney
Elsewhere in NSW, significant delays are expected leaving Sydney heading north on the M1 Pacific Motorway and Pacific Highway, heading west on the Great Western Highway and heading south on the Princes Highway.
Delays are also expected in Mt Victoria on the Great Western Highway going west and in Nowra, Jervis Bay, Milton and Ulladulla on the Princes Highway heading south.
More details about predicted delays at known holiday traffic pinch points are available on the NSW Holiday and Journey planning website.
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